Giovani Fascisti (GGFF) – 136th Armored Division

Background on the GGFF

Contrary to popular belief, the “Giovani Fascisti” (Young Fascists, or GGFF) were not part of the MVSN (Fascist Militia) but were instead a Regular Army unit whose members had been recruited from the GUF (Gioventu’ Universitaria Fascista) – which was, however, a Fascist Party sponsored organization.

About 19,000 GUF members volunteered and were organized into 24 battalions, however in the course of the power struggle between the Army and the MVSN, most of these were disbanded (probably due to fears about their true loyalties). Only 3 battalions remained and this was later reduced to two. Consequently, these units had a very high Espirit de corps and competent commanders, as they were able to retain the best of the original 19,000 volunteers.

GGFF in North Africa. The photo appears to be taken in the winter.

The two battalions were organized as the Gruppo di battaglioni GGFF and transferred to Libya in July 1941 (in time for the November Commonwealth Offensive – “Operation Crusader“). The Group was consequently placed under the command of RECAM (Raggruppamento Esplorante del Corpo d’armata di’manovra), the Reconnaissance Group of the Mobile (later XX) Army Corps. The Group participated in the action around Bir el Gubi, Point 174, and Point 182 during November and December 1941.

1 LIGHT TANK COMPANY (HQ & 3 Sections with a total of 16 x L3 Tankettes)

From 8th BERSAGLIERI REGIMENT

1 ATk COMPANY, with:

COY HQ
4 GUN PLATOONS (each 2 x 47mm ATG)

1 MG PLATOON (4 x MMG)

From 9th BERSAGLIERI REGIMENT

1 GUN PLATOON (2 x 47mm ATG)

The 2 GGFF Battalions had, in total; 27 LMG & 15 20mm Solothurn heavy ATk Rifles (exact distribution of ATRs not known). I believe the Gruppo’s MG Company, and Mortar & Gun Platoons were “created” once the unit reached Libya and suitable heavy weapons had been acquired! Hence, they do not sometimes appear in OOBs.

By January 1942 it had been decided to form the 136th “GGFF” Armoured Division, using the GGFF combat group already in Libya (which was expanded to a full Regiment), and adding armor and artillery as it became available. During the Gazala and 1st Alamein campaigns, before anything further had been done, the unit operated as an independent Infantry Regiment first under the direct command of Supreme Headquarters, Italian Forces North Africa, and later attached to the 102nd Trento Motorized Division.

(* I have no accurate information, Probably a mix of AB40 & AB41 Armoured Cars and some Motorcycle Troops)

20mm Solothurn ATRs were distributed amongst Infantry units as previously. (Note that GaF = Frontier Guards, the Italian Military equivalent of Customs or the modern US Border Patrol.)

In June 1942, the Italian Army instituted theA.S.(Africa Settentrionale) Reorganization. This involved a major re-arrangement of units, turning companies into self-contained combat groups with an equal share of the battalion’s support weapons. At the same time, the GGFF were placed in the army reserves and continued their reorganization.

The formation was now officially re-designated as a Division and placed in Reserve. During the 2nd Battle of El Alamein some of its units (specifically the Sardinian Grenadiers and its intended Artillery units) were detached and saw action providing support for units such as the Italian “Folgore” and German “Ramcke” Paratroopers. Once the withdrawal began, the GGFF became involved as part of the Rearguard and suffered heavy casualties doing so.

The Division suffered heavy casualties as part of the rearguard from El Alamein to El Agheila. Once the retreat reached Tripolitania and the border of Tunisia, the Division became reconstituted using Bersaglieri and other formations (essentially whatever was available). The unit was also officially reclassified as an Infantry Division at this time (Note that it is often mistakenly referred to as a “Motorized” Division throughout this period).

Note: The 2nd GGFF Battalion at this time was attached to the German 90th Light Division. It would have been organized the same as the 1st GGFF Battalion.

Bibliography

I highly recommend Victor Madeja’s Italian Army Order of Battle for anyone starting out on researching units of the Italian Army in WWII, while Rex Trye’s book provides an excellent starting point for the Italians in general. Finally special thanks to Rex Trye (New Plymouth, New Zealand) and Arturo Lorioli (Rome, Italy) who have helped me with my Italian research and especially Arturo who has been a great source of information himself!

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